Interim Organist (Minneapolis, MN)

Job Description

Title: Interim Organist, Westminster Presbyterian Church (.5FTE)

Purpose: To serve the church by providing leadership from the organ and piano in weekly worship services.  The Interim Organist helps foster inclusivity in the arts and continual expansion of the congregational repertoire, embracing music’s role in worship to support, reflect on, and enliven the Word.

Dates: Sep 1, 2019 - May 31, 2020, pending the start date of the permanent hire

Permanent Position: The Interim Organist would be eligible to apply for the permanent position.  The details of this position will be announced mid-to-late fall 2019.

Reports to: Minister of Music and the Arts

Responsibilities:

1. Worship planning and leadership

   1. Select and prepare organ/piano music as an integral part of all worship services
      (Service times: Sundays at 8:30am & 10:30am, Wednesday evening contemplative service, and other special occasions - e.g. Holy Week, the Downtown Choral Festival, choir retreats, etc.)

   2. Collaborate with and accompany other guest instrumentalists in worship, in consultation with the Minister of Music and the Arts.

   3. Attend and assist in weekly worship planning meetings

   4. Arrange for a substitute in advance when not available

2. Westminster choirs and ensembles

   1. Serve as rehearsal pianist with the Westminster Choir on Wednesday evenings (6:30-8:30pm)

   2. When requested, accompany other youth choirs or instrumental music

3. Supervise the maintenance of the church organs and pianos (see specs on these instruments listed below)

4. Contract Opportunities

   1. Collaborate with clergy and staff to provide music and plan liturgy for weddings and memorials as available; the Interim Organist has the first right of refusal, except in particular cases where the Organist Emerita may be asked to play.  Compensation is paid via stipend directly from the service user.

   2. Other contract opportunities might include Westminster’s annual Christmas Dinners or other special music for events

5. Other duties as assigned

Required Experience, Skills and Attributes:

1. Master’s degree or equivalent experience in organ performance, church music, or other related degree

2. Minimum 5 years experience supporting worship on organ and piano

3. Demonstrated skills in planning worship in collaboration with clergy and others

4. Awareness of Reformed/Presbyterian liturgy

5. Knowledge of and experience with a broad range and styles of sacred repertoire

6. Passion for music as ministry in congregational settings

7. Effective organization and implementation skills with an ability to plan ahead

8. Excellent oral and written communication skills

9. Collaborative approach to team ministry and responsiveness to new ideas

10. Grounding in intercultural competence

Compensation: Commensurate with experience and comparable positions

About Westminster Presbyterian Church:

Westminster is a vibrant, open-minded congregation worshipping in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, long known for the beauty of its traditional services combined with a progressive church culture. Approximately 850 congregants worship each week at Westminster across five services.  The church features two organs: a Moeller organ (IV/85) in the Sanctuary, and a Dobson organ (II/24) in the Chapel. Westminster’s newest renovation, completed in 2018, includes a stunning concert space, which will house the launch of Westminster’s new Performing Arts Series this fall.

Organ specifications for the Moeller organ (IV/85):

http://www.pipeorganlist.com/Organ_Webpages/Mpls,_Westminster_Presbyterian,_Moller_sp.html  

Organ specifications for the Dobson organ (II/24):

http://www.pipeorganlist.com/Organ_Webpages/Mpls,_Westminster_Presbyterian,_Dobson_sp.html  

Westminster also houses six pianos:

1. Sanctuary - Steinway B 122953 - 1906

2. Chapel - Steinway M 217545 - 1923

3. Meisel Room - Yamaha C3 B 1633572

4. Westminster Hall - Steinway B 474810 - 1981

5. Choir Room - Kawai RX-2 2580399

6. Youth Music Room - Steinway L 553515 - 2000

To Apply: Send cover letter, resumé, and any supporting digital files to Dr. Amanda Weber, Minister of Music and the Arts, at aweber@wpc-mpls.org by Monday, July 15, 2019.